What is the minimum legal age to drive in the Cook Islands?

You have to be at least 16 years or older and hold a current and valid Driver’s License in order to drive in the Cook Islands.

International visitors (over 16 years) can now drive in the Cook Islands for up to six months using their full overseas licence, provided it does not expire, is revoked, suspended or disqualified in that time. On an overseas licence, you will only be allowed to drive the class of motor vehicle that you are entitled to drive in your home country. The overseas licence must be in English or a certified translation provided.

Is it possible to hire a scooter?

Absolutely! Hiring your own scooter whilst you are in the Cook Islands is so much fun. Scooters can be hired for as little as NZ$15 a day. If you have a motorcycle class on your overseas license, you do not need to take a test to acquire a Cook Islands Licence, you just need to pay NZ$20 at the police station, where you will be issued your visitor license. The visitors licenses are only valid for 31 days.

If you do not have a motorcycle class on your license and would like to hire a scooter during your visit, you will need to undergo a driving test at the Cook Islands Police Station in downtown Avarua.

Please note that you need to present 2 forms of ID when applying for your visitors license; current valid license from you home country and your passport.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes. As of 5 October 2016, all visitors on a visitor’s driver's licence must wear a safety helmet while travelling on a motorcycle in Rarotonga. This is compulsory for Rarotonga only and does not apply to visitors driving a motorcycle in the outer islands. We urge all visitors to comply with this new law for your own safety and to avoid any fines from the Cook Islands Police.

Can I hire a car?

If you are wanting to move around the island more independently, hiring a car in the Cook Islands is simple. Car hire fees start from as low as NZ$40 a day and if you have a full over overseas drivers license, you do not need to apply for a Cook Islands license. On an overseas licence, you will only be allowed to drive the class of motor vehicle that you are entitled to drive in your home country.

What currency is used in the Cook Islands?

The Cook Islands unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar, supplemented by local notes and coins. The unique local coins and notes are not negotiable outside of the Cook Islands, but are keenly sought by collectors worldwide.

ANZ, Bank of the South Pacific (BSP) and the Bank Cook Islands (BCI) are located in downtown Avarua. Open Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm. BSP in Avarua is also open from 9am-12 noon on Saturdays.

ATMs are conveniently located around Rarotonga and Aitutaki and EFTPOS is available at most hotels and stores. Western Union has an office in Avarua offering money exchange and transfers.

What timezone is used in the Cook Islands?

Cook Islands’ time is GMT-10 hours. Do your calculation before arrival, as booking accommodation to start a day too late is a common mistake.

What are the entry requirements for the Cook Islands?

When you come to the Cook Islands, a valid passport and a return ticket will allow you a stay of up to 31 days. New Zealand citizens are eligible for a 90-day stay on arrival.

Is it possible to extend my visa?

Extensions may be granted on a monthly basis – for up to 6 months. For extensions, apply 2 weeks before your permit expires. This does not guarantee admission to the Cook Islands. Immigration officers at a port of entry will have the final determination. For further information on immigration, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration at www.mfai.gov.ck .

You must have sufficient funds for your maintenance and confirmed booking/payments and contact information of the accommodation you intend to stay at, as camping is not permitted in the Cook Islands.

With the exceptions indicated below, holders of passports that are valid for less than 6 months beyond the intended period of stay in the Cook Islands must seek authority to travel to the Cook Islands from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration in Rarotonga.

Exceptions:

This travel restriction does not apply to Cook Islanders and Permanent Residents of the Cook Islands. New Zealand (NZ) and Australian passport holders may also travel to the Cook Islands without seeking authority from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration provided their passports are valid for at least seven days beyond their intended period of stay in the Cook Islands.

ATTENTION: Sailors wanting to berth their yachts in the docks of Avatiu Harbour need to obtain moorings from the Harbourmaster at the Ports Authority, PO Box 84, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. If you are departing the Cook Islands by marine craft, you are required to pay departure tax. For more information visit www.mfem.gov.ck and www.ports.co.ck .

How do I obtain a work visa?

To acquire a work visa, you must already have a job lined up in the Cook Islands or starting up your own business. Your future employer will supply you with all the paperwork you need for your work visa, including requirements for a police clearance and medical check up, as well as a signed letter of job offer. Once all your paperwork is in order, you will receive a waiver letter so you can enter the Cook Islands. Your visa will be issued once you are in the country.

What is the weather like?

If you are able to travel to the Cook Islands anytime between January and December, then that is perfect as the Cook Islands enjoy a pleasant warm and sunny climate all year round. June to August are slightly cooler months, November to March marks the warmer season, with occasional tropical showers. The drier months, from April to November, average 26°C. The warmer, more humid and damp season is from December to March, with temperatures ranging between 22°C (min) and 30°C (max).

Are there any health services available in the Cook Islands?

A range of medical and dental services are available in Rarotonga. Aitutaki and Atiu also have limited medical aid with very small hospitals. Emergency services operate on Rarotonga and there is an optometrist plus several pharmacies for prescriptions. Physiotherapists are also available.

Caution: There are no snakes and most of the insects are harmless – but look out for centipedes, which can sting. The coral reefs and passages to the open ocean should be treated with caution. Visitors must meet their own medical costs during their time in the Cook Islands, including medical evacuation to New Zealand if specialist care is required. We recommend visitors take out health insurance to cover unexpected costs.

Is it possible to collect stamps?

If you are a stamp collector, the colourful Cook Islands stamps are distinctive and sought after by enthusiasts. Mail is available from the Post Office, which opens Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm.

Is there a telecommunications network in the Cook Islands?

The telecommunications network in the Cook Islands is operated by Bluesky. There is an outlet located at the CITC Shopping Complex in the main strip of Avarua which is open 8am-4pm Monday to Friday, and Saturday 8:30am-1pm. Local SIM cards are available from the main office, down the road from the Cooks Corner bus stop (also in Avarua), and open 7am-11pm daily. There is also an outlet in Muri which is open 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, and Sunday noon til 4pm.

International telephone, mobile telephone, facsimile and internet services (including broadband) are available through these Bluesky outlets. Several internet cafés are located on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, with WiFi hotspots (where you can login with prepaid vouchers) also widely located around these islands.

SIGN UP AND WE'LL KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP WITH OUR BEST DEALS AND UPDATES.